What is the minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) to be admitted?

What is the minimum required GRE score?

To be considered for financial aid, you must have at least a
combined verbal and quantitative score of 300. We typically place
more emphasis on the quantitative section, looking for candidates
that score in the 80th percentile.

Note: The CSEE Department Code for the GRE is 1102;
the University at Buffalo Institutional Code is 2925.

How do I apply?

What is the application deadline?

Fall Semester - JANUARY 15 for
studies beginning the fall of that same year. All application
materials including supporting documents must be submitted by this
date to be considered for financial aid. For domestic students not
requesting aid, the deadline extends until May 1 of that year.

Spring Semester - SEPTEMBER 15 for
studies beginning the spring of the following year. Our department
will accept spring applications on an exceptional basis. Typically
we do not offer financial aid during the spring term.

Where do I send my documents?

What is the application fee and how do I pay it?

A nonrefundable application fee of $85 may be paid online with a
credit card or with ePay upon completion of the online
application. A petition form with supporting documents must be
filled out if you are requesting a waiver.

Which transcripts should I send?

Please do not send official transcripts prior to acceptance.
Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded to your online
application. All admitted students who accept their offer will be
required to provide all official transcripts and proof of degree(s)
prior to beginning their coursework.

How many letters of recommendation are required? How are they submitted?

Three letters of recommendation are to be requested through the
online application by providing the names and e-mail addresses. UB
undergraduates only need to submit two letters of recommendation.
While we will accept letters from professional sources, we strongly
prefer letters from professors who are acquainted with your
academic interests, achievements and abilities.

I forgot my Username and PIN. How can I log back into a saved application?

How will I know if I have been accepted?

After your application has been submitted for formal review, you
can view the status of your application and supporting
documents online. We encourage you to log in frequently to
ensure all of your supporting documents have been received. At the
conclusion of our application review process, decision letters will
be emailed to applicants.

Can I defer admission to another semester?

You are eligible to defer an acceptance offer for up to one
academic year without penalty. Admission deferrals beyond one
academic year require a new application, which will have to be
re-reviewed by the admissions committee. To request a deferral upon
admission to the program, place a request for deferral by emailing
Graduate Admissions at cseegrad@buffalo.edu.

Can I take classes as a non-matriculated student?

Domestic students may take classes as a non-matriculated
student, but must be admitted to the program. International
students must be on an F1 visa in order to take classes as a
non-matriculated student.

Can I transfer credits from another university?

It is possible to transfer credits from another university if
the course grade is "B" or better and the course(s) is relevant to
the CSEE degree program. For the MS, no more than 6 credit hours
may be transferred to satisfy the degree requirements. For the PhD
degree program, a maximum of 30 credit hours as earned MS degree
may be counted towards the 72 credit hour requirement.

Aside from a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, are there other prerequisites?

In addition to holding a bachelor's degree in engineering or any
of the mathematical, physical, behavioral, or health sciences, each
entering student is expected to be skilled in a number of specific
areas. Proficiency is required in mathematics through the level of
multivariate calculus, probability and statistics considered from a
calculus point of view, and computer programming.

These requirements must be satisfied prior to admission.
Students whose backgrounds have not adequately prepared them to
enter the graduate curriculum directly may be asked to take
appropriate undergraduate courses. Credit for these courses will
not be applied toward the minimum number of hours required for the
MS degree. In exceptional cases, the department may admit an
applicant who does not meet all these requirements; in such cases,
the department will set special performance criteria for continuing
in the program.

International Students

What is the English language proficiency requirement for international applicants?

International applicants are required to provide proof of
English proficiency via the Test of English as a Foreign Language
(TOEFL) score, International English Language Testing System
(IELTS) score, or Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic).
Starting in Fall 2016, all applicants whose native language is not
English will be required to provide proof of English
proficiency. Please use Institution Code 2925
and Department Code 65 to provide your TOEFL scores to
us.

The State University of New York at Buffalo has the following
minimum admission requirements for these tests:

The exam results must be dated within two years from your
proposed date of admission and remain valid upon entering the term
you applied for. For example, Fall 2015 begins in August 2015;
therefore, your exam results must be valid until August 2015.

Information and arrangements to take the exam can be made by
contacting the Educational Testing Service at www.ets.org/toefl. It is strongly
recommended to make test arrangements early in the year so
sufficient time can be allowed for the results to be reported
before our application deadline.

What is the Financial Form?

All international applicants must submit a completed financial
form: International Applicant Financial Form. Please
complete the form labeled "Standard Graduate" for the appropriate
academic year. The Financial Form and supporting bank
documents may be uploaded to your application after an
admissions decision has been made.

Answer all questions thoroughly. An I-20 cannot be issued
without this statement documenting necessary funds for each year of
intended study (two years for the MS program; five years for the
PhD program).

Where does the I-20 come from?

The I-20 is sent from the UB Office of
International Admissions. Please note that the I-20 is not
sent from the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental
Engineering. > Read more about I-20 processing time.

If the application file is in proper order, the office of
International Admissions prepares the Certificate of Visa
Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019 form). The Office of International
Admissions then issues the official I-20 Welcome packet and sends
it to you. The I-20 Welcome packet includes your official letter of
acceptance, the Certificate of Visa Eligibility, and information
about International Student Orientation, on-campus housing,
international student clubs, and health insurance.

When should I expect my I-20?

The I-20 takes approximately six weeks for processing. To
expedite your application, make sure to submit all required
documentation including your passport bio page, financial form and
application fee as early as possible. These can be uploaded
online, with your application.

Upon receiving the official I-20 packet, you should make
arrangements for housing, register for International Student
Orientation, apply for your student visa, and arrange for travel to
Buffalo, New York.